Xscape General Discussion

Bubs;3976566 said:
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From the off-set the album had sharp beats and clear vocals – something even big fans would admit Michael’s latter albums lacked.
Sad that they can't help but to throw in some digs. Such nonsense.
 
Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

In a later tweet the guy says that the first track sounds like a follow-up to Rock With You. So is this Love Never Felt So Good?

Bad album opener in my opinion. It should be the last track on the album not first!
 
Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

The first track bursts with flourishing strings, before layering on '80s disco beats and crisp finger clicks. "The night is going to be just fine," Michael assures us - and while the standard could never reach his pop peak, the groove of the track is soaked in nostalgia. We should probably note at this point that we don't know any titles for the tracks yet, because they haven't been finalised.
That indeed confirms Love Never Felt So Good is the first track on the album.

The fifth song we were played opens with computerized synths as the star's iconic ad libs of "hee-hee" and "aaaow" smack you with excitement. Echoed snare beats and a storming rawk guitar solo make it one of the stand-out tracks, even if the chorus does hear him dubiously ask: "Do you know where your children are?"
Sigh... well at least it confirms DYKWYCA is track 5.

Seems like it's:

1. Love Never Felt So Good
2. Chicago
3. She Was Loving Me
4. A Place With No Name
5. Do You Know Where Your Children Are
6. Slave to the Rhythm
7. Blue Gangster
8. Xscape
 
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Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

Michael Jackson's new album Xscape: How good is it?

It's the news fans have been expecting for a while now - Michael Jackson has a 'new' album of previously unheard material coming out in May.

Naturally, posthumous albums completely divide opinion. One side doesn't want to resign themselves to the fact they will never hear anything new from their idol ever again, while the other argues their loyalty to protecting the legacy left behind. Considering the tepid response to MJ's first posthumous release Michael, we can see why the latter may ring truer when it comes to forthcoming album Xscape.

Truth is, while Jackson's estate may be scraping the barrel to stitch together yet another money-spinning collection, we have to remember that it's a pretty astonishing barrel to be scraping. After listening to Xscape for the first time, you're left with the sense that only the very best of what Jackson has left behind has been "contemporised", and nothing more.

The first track bursts with flourishing strings, before layering on '80s disco beats and crisp finger clicks. "The night is going to be just fine," Michael assures us - and while the standard could never reach his pop peak, the groove of the track is soaked in nostalgia. We should probably note at this point that we don't know any titles for the tracks yet, because they haven't been finalised.

Jackson practically gave birth to the genre 'dirty-pop', and track two throws back to that period when you wouldn't see him on stage without bolshy bass and hip-pop beats. "She lied to you/ She lied to me," he proclaims in his trademark growl, while the following cut is a flowing '80s-tinged serenade with orchestral bursts and choral harmonies. While we've been told that a range of producers such as Timbaland, Darkchild, Stargate and Jroc have "contemporised" the original demos, it's clear that they've also paid homage to the sound that turned MJ into a cultural icon.

Most of Xscape nods back to the height of Jackson's pop appeal. We haven't been told when each of the tracks originated from, but their final form echoes MJ's holy trinity of albums Off The Wall, Thriller and Bad. The fifth song we were played opens with computerized synths as the star's iconic ad libs of "hee-hee" and "aaaow" smack you with excitement. Echoed snare beats and a storming rawk guitar solo make it one of the stand-out tracks, even if the chorus does hear him dubiously ask: "Do you know where your children are?"

Track number six - which we identified as 'Slave to the Rhythm' - begins with a massive string-led swoosh of scenic proportions, before it completely drops into glitchy electronics and rattling beats. Its shuffling groove marks it as classic MJ, making it yet another highlight. Even better, Justin Bieber doesn't feature on the track after that worrying leak of an alternative version back in 2013.

Quincy Jones may not have had a hand in the project, but the cinematic quality to the songs demonstrates that the school of producers who made contributions to this record have obviously been influenced by his techniques. Song number seven - which might be called 'Blue Gangsta' - opens with Bond Theme-styled strings and tinned beats, before hearing Michael complain: "Look what you've done to me/ I can no longer smile." Xscape's overarching narrative is what we've always loved about Jackson; the superstar who is unlucky in love, but never doubts its power.

The posthumous collection concludes with title track 'Xscape', which we know was originally written by Jackson and Rodney Jerkins during the Invincible sessions. It's the only track which has been re-worked by its original producer, and hears turn-of-the-millennium Jackson snarl over a mix of '70s disco and '90s R&B. Its potential for some other-worldly choreography is palpable, which provokes a sad tinge of what could've been.

So, is Xcsape any good? There's been a concerted effort to recapture Jackson during his imperial phase in the '80s; the music god who effortlessly rolled soul, R&B, electronica, rock and pop into soundscapes of brilliance. No, it's not as good as Michael at his very best, but then again, it never was going to be.

That said, it's a considered and worthy collection of reworked gems that remind you of just how important Michael Jackson was - and let's face it, not many other artists can release their cutting room floor cast-offs and it can still sound this good.

Michael Jackson's new album Xscape will be released worldwide on May 13. Sony Mobile customers of select new devices, including Xperia Z2, Xperia Z2 tablet and Xperia M2, will be able to download the new album for free on day of digital release through the Xperia Lounge app.


Read more: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/f...good-is-it.html#~oAbe01vjbbu0QD#ixzz2xdNFXHnF
 
Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

thats your personal opinion. i and most others have a different opinion.

You and some others! Not "most" others. Big difference.
 
Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

For me not caring about a bunch of remixes that Michael had absolutely nothing to do with whatsoever and being more interested in the original outtakes and demos Mike actually had input in and helped create from scratch makes me narrowminded? me? hahaha.

I wonder how many people were excited when they found out BOTDF had a handful of remixes from the HIStory album? I'm sure they were so gassed, they just couldn't wait to hear masterpieces like Earth Song and Stranger In Moscow in the clubs / streets. No my friend, they could care less. It's the 5 unreleased songs that were eagerly anticipated and well worth the wait I might add.


I said I don't care if even these artists are featured on the remixes because that's how much i DON'T CARE about them.

By the way, Michael Jackson's music has surpassed "the charts". His entire catalogue is on the charts, day in, day out. He doesn't need remixes to top the chart. This album regardless of it's quality will top the charts. It's Michael Jackson.

i remember it like this. the history album was just out a year ago. then was the tour, and there were so many mixes of the single releases that i think we were not that much exited about that. there was no internet, nothing. only the magazines from various countries.
it was just another album. you have to understand we had history at the time, the tour and then another album. for me, i was much more exited about the tour, and to hear there some new tracks, he performed. and there was also the movies ghosts. it was like paradise at that time. but only the music, the child molestation claims were at that time a big big problem for everyone, you couldnt talk about mj in the public without getting attaked. horrible time, much more horrible than 2005.
 
Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

you misunderstand something. there is a big difference. a finished track is by michael jackson, and also an unfinished, but not a remix that was made by others. and that is the difference. and that is why tracks by michael jackson are his big sellers, and not the remixes by others.

I don't like remixes either. But I love the new album versions of unreleased songs.

Ok, name one unfinished Michael Jackson tracks that was his "big seller". I'm So Blue? Al Capone?
On the other hand Hold My Hand peaked #10 in UK #40 in US. Hollywood Tonight #1 in US on club chart and all that on the album with fake songs that huge amount of fans and general public boycotted.
 
Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

Sad that they can't help but to throw in some digs. Such nonsense.

LOL, reminds me of when that idiot Roger Friedman wrote in his preview that the Michael album was better than Invincible. So funny.
 
Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

So LNFSG is track one
She Was Loving Me is Track 2
DYKWYCA, STTR, BG and Escape conclude the album
 
Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

Sad that they can't help but to throw in some digs. Such nonsense.

They clearly don't know MJ fans cause the majority of them say that MJ's best work came after Thriller
 
Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

I don't like remixes either. But I love the new album versions of unreleased songs.

Ok, name one unfinished Michael Jackson tracks that was his "big seller". I'm So Blue? Al Capone?
On the other hand Hold My Hand peaked #10 in UK #40 in US. Hollywood Tonight #1 in US on club chart and all that on the album with fake songs that huge amount of fans and general public boycotted.

I think those remastered versions are mostly interesting for Michael-Music fans, if I can call it like that.
But "real" MJ Fans care about the versions noone touched after Michael worked on it. But obviously, those songs wont make it to #1 or so in public charts
 
Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

I was calm so far, but reading the previews I can't wait to hear it. LOL.
 
Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

Can admire him all day. Feels Good :D

mj-xscape-standard-digital-packshot-590x590.jpg
xscape-video-trailer.jpg
xscape-deluxe.jpg
:wub::heart::wub:
 
Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

This comparison between Xscape and Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix is getting tiresome. You can't compare the two, because the remixes on BotDF were made for completely different reasons and with different goals than the new / contemporized productions we're getting on Xscape.

The remixes on BotDF (and on several of HIStory's maxi singles) were clubbing / dance tracks. Their goal was never to take the songs they were based on to a creative level that would fit Michael's style or honor his legacy, and they were never trying to create material that would match and compete with mainstream contemporary Pop, Rock, R&B and Soul music either. The sole intent behind the production on most of those remixes was to make them fit the tastes of the clubbing / disco / dance scene at the time -- which didn't have anything to do with the creativity of the original artist or material.

You must realize that what L.A. Reid and his team are trying to do is, in fact, the complete opposite of this? They are trying to honor Michael's style and legacy, and they are trying to match and compete with the popular mainstream music genres within which he operated and make something that will endure. Whether they succeed remains to be seen, but be fair and at the very least give them the benefit of the doubt and don't compare their efforts to late 90's club remixes -- it's disrespectful and they're clearly putting in a lot more thought, work and effort into this album than that.
 
>>>>>Michael Jackson - XSCAPE Album Press Review (Sky News)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMsMmFXFrIk

Sky News Arts and Entertainment Correspondent Richard Suchet was invited to hear the first play of the album anywhere in the world.

He said: "These eight tracks seem to post-date Michael Jackson - they sound more like modern day remixes.

"These recordings had been kept back for a reason. They're not as good as the stuff we already have, but they're a wonderful reminder of Michael Jackson's incredible voice and unique talent.

"Demos and sketches of some of these songs have been doing the rounds on the internet for years, but the versions on Xscape are polished and have a modern twist."

Suchet said as many as 200 recorded or partly-recorded songs by Jackson are thought to exist and could surface in the coming years.

In a statement, executive producer LA Reid said: "Michael left behind some musical performances that we take great pride in presenting through the vision of music producers that he either worked directly with or expressed strong desire to work with.

"We are extremely proud and honoured to present this music to the world."

Additional work on the album was carried out by Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, Jerome "Jroc" Harmon and John McClain.

The title track was written by Jackson and Jerkins.


>>>Michael Jackson’s 'new' album Xscape gets its first hearing
http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/...um-xscape-gets-its-first-hearing-9227726.html
 
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Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

I didn't have time to read all the posts I have missed from yesterday ...but my question is this. So the deluxe album will have 6 new songs and 2 unreleased videos...is this correct? Than you.:-D
 
Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

you must realize that what l.a. Reid and his team are trying to do is, in fact, the complete opposite of this? They are trying to honor michael's style and legacy, and they are trying to match and compete with the popular mainstream music genres within which he operated and make something that will endure. Whether they succeed remains to be seen, but be fair and at the very least give them the benefit of the doubt and don't compare their efforts to late 90's club remixes -- it's disrespectful and they're clearly putting in a lot more thought, work and effort into this album than that.

THANK YOU! I couldn't have put it better myself :p
 
Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

I think those remastered versions are mostly interesting for Michael-Music fans, if I can call it like that.
But "real" MJ Fans care about the versions noone touched after Michael worked on it. But obviously, those songs wont make it to #1 or so in public charts

I am real MJ Fan and I like both versions.
 
Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

You need a facebook banner?

i made one, so use it :D
MJ-xscape_promo-140401.jpg
 
Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

I didn't have time to read all the posts I have missed from yesterday ...but my question is this. So the deluxe album will have 6 new songs and 2 unreleased videos...is this correct? Than you.:-D

The deluxe album will have 17 songs and 2 videos. Out of those 17 songs 8 songs are the new remixes, 8 songs are the original demos, one appears to be a bonus track.

The 8 songs are:

1. Love Never Felt So Good
2. Chicago
3. She Was Loving Me
4. A Place With No Name
5. Do You Know Where Your Children Are
6. Slave to the Rhythm
7. Blue Gangster
8. Xscape


 
Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

1. Love Never Felt So Good
2. She Was Loving Me
3. Chicago
4. A Place With No Name
5. Do You Know Where Your Children Are
6. Slave to the Rhythm
7. Blue Gangster
8. Xscape
shouldn't it be that way? (tracks two and three switched)

edit:

01. Love Never Felt So Good
02. She Was Loving Me
03. Chicago
04. A Place With No Name
05. Do You Know Where Your Children Are
06. Slave to the Rhythm
07. Blue Gangster
08. Xscape
09. Interlude (to seperate bonus content, sth like BumperSnippet)
10. Love Never Felt So Good **Original Version**
11. She Was Loving Me **Original Version**
12. Chicago **Original Version**
13. A Place With No Name **Original Version**
14. Do You Know Where Your Children Are **Original Version**
15. Slave to the Rhythm **Original Version**
16. Blue Gangster **Original Version**
17. Xscape **Original Version**
 
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Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

I thought BODF was certified as the best selling remix album ever?

thats correct, but his big sellers was the orignal versions-albums. like off the wall, thriller, bad, dangerous, history, invincible...
 
Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

People who have heard the songs confirmed "She Was Loving Me"?
 
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Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

There's one thing I don't understand... We now know that there's no Michael Prince / Brad Buxer song on the album. Furthermore, MP stated the Estate didn't contact him for the album.

So what was he doing the last year? What's up with him, Brad Buxer and Bruce Swedien in the studio? All his hard discs "spinning and humming", discovering gems, doing this "secret project"?
 
Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

The deluxe album will have 17 songs and 2 videos. Out of those 17 songs 8 songs are the new remixes, 8 songs are the original demos, one appears to be a bonus track.

The 8 songs are:

1. Love Never Felt So Good
2. Chicago
3. She Was Loving Me
4. A Place With No Name
5. Do You Know Where Your Children Are
6. Slave to the Rhythm
7. Blue Gangster
8. Xscape




Thank you!!! Well it seems as though we have hit the jack pot here.......lol. This is going to be good. So cannot wait to hear MJ raw and untouched. Maybe I better buy 2 copies....because I can already see I am going to where this cd out!...lol
 
Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

thats correct, but his big sellers was the orignal versions-albums. like off the wall, thriller, bad, dangerous, history, invincible...

You cannot compare this to his studio albums. Michael is not here to finish his songs. Frankly, I don't even know what you are arguing about. Everyone gets what they want: the demos will be released too.
 
Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

shouldn't it be that way? (tracks two and three switched)

edit:

01. Love Never Felt So Good
02. She Was Loving Me
03. Chicago
04. A Place With No Name
05. Do You Know Where Your Children Are
06. Slave to the Rhythm
07. Blue Gangster
08. Xscape
09. Interlude (to seperate bonus content, sth like BumperSnippet)
10. Love Never Felt So Good **Original Version**
11. She Was Loving Me **Original Version**
12. Chicago **Original Version**
13. A Place With No Name **Original Version**
14. Do You Know Where Your Children Are **Original Version**
15. Slave to the Rhythm **Original Version**
16. Blue Gangster **Original Version**
17. Xscape **Original Version**


So the album will start slow, with two ballads then end on a high with the dance tracks.
 
Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

I am real MJ Fan and I like both versions.

Thats great for you. I did not say that its always like that. But in most cases it is.
Most fans, at least, also want the demo version and would not appreciate it if they only release the remastered one.
 
Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

You need a facebook banner?

i made one, so use it :D
MJ-xscape_promo-140401.jpg

I LOVE IT !! - Thanks very much. - One thing though - can you move the Pre-Order New Album now! up? - It is right were the name is on facebook, so you can't read it!

But thanks very much - like it a lot!!
 
Re: News and discussion about new MJ album : Xscape, May 13, 2014.

The deluxe album will have 17 songs and 2 videos. Out of those 17 songs 8 songs are the new remixes, 8 songs are the original demos, one appears to be a bonus track.

The 8 songs are:

1. Love Never Felt So Good
2. Chicago
3. She Was Loving Me
4. A Place With No Name
5. Do You Know Where Your Children Are
6. Slave to the Rhythm
7. Blue Gangster
8. Xscape


I wonder what the bonus track will be......lol. This is so exciting isn't it....
 
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